Leigh Griffiths has revealed how he felt like he had been ‘kicked in the teeth’ after being axed from Alex McLeish’s Scotland team.

The Celtic striker was dropped to the bench as Steven Naismith came in from the cold to start against Albania.

Griffiths admitted that whist he was shocked to not to feature against the Albanians he was even more surprised to hear Big Eck has told Naismith that he will remain as Scotland’s first choice striker for next month’s Nations League trip to Israel.

The Hearts attacker scored both goals in the Scots 2-0 Nations League win over Christian Panucci’s side at Hampden last Monday.

(Image: REUTERS)

Read More

Griffiths - who had led the line for Scotland in the 4-0 defeat against Belgium - 72 hours earlier - admitted that he was shocked to not to feature against the Albanians and even more surprised to hear that Big Eck has told Naismith that he will remain Scotland’s first choice striker for next month’s Nations League trip to Israel as long as he continues his blistering form the Jambos.

The 28 year-old who signed a new four year deal tying him to Celtic until 2022 on Friday said: “It’s a kick in the teeth. Not just for me but for all the strikers.

“It’s an incentive to work hard at our clubs and try to change his mind.

“I was surprised as well but these things happen.

“Naisy came in and did really well. He scored, ran about, and did his job.

“I was a bit surprised to see he (McLeish) has already selected him for the next game.